Iona Lachance Osnoe

Topsham- Iona C. Lachance Osnoe age 97 of Union St. died Saturday November 10th at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Togus.

She was born in Brunswick on February 10, 1921 the daughter of Geoffrey and Matilda Fournier Lachance. Iona was educated in Brunswick schools. She worked at the Cabot Mill as a weaver. During WWII Iona was the first woman from Brunswick to serve in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp. (WAAC) and then Women’s Army Corp. (WAC) in aircraft warning service in Norfolk Virginia.

After serving in the Army Iona worked a Hyde Windless and in 1945 worked at the Brunswick Naval Air Station Exchange.

In 1947 she married Leonard M. Osnoe he died in June of 1976.

Iona had also worked for upward bound, Merrymeeting Action Community Action, H.E. Sargent Construction and in 1974 worked for the State of Maine in manpower affairs.

Iona was a member of the Maine State Employees Association and had served in several offices within the American Legion and Veterans Affairs including Cumberland County Commander, Post Commander, District Finance Officer and as an Adjutant of the District. Iona had been a member of the Field Allen Post 148, American Legion in Windham, George Files Post Auxiliary in Brunswick.

Surviving are two sons Barry H. Osnoe and his wife Anita and Dana Osnoe. A daughter Gwen E. Schultz and her husband Brian. A sister Rosalie Deschenes, a brother Donald Lachance and his wife Chantal. Three grandsons Lee Osnoe, Stanley Baker and Christopher Colby. Two granddaughter’s Jessica Baker and Angelia Vellieux.

In addition to her parents and husband she was also predeceased by four sons three of which were Vietnam veterans Paul Osnoe (Navy), Wayne Osnoe (Marines), Stanley Osnoe (Army) and Calvin Osnoe. A grandson Leonard Osnoe, sister Irene Lachance and brothers Wilfred and Geoffrey Lachance.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, November 19th from 5-7PM at Stetson’s Funeral Home 12 Federal St. Brunswick. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 20th at 1 PM at the funeral home with military honors to follow at the Growstown Cemetery, Church Road Brunswick.

A reception will follow the service at the Brunswick Elks Lodge 179 Park Row. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Re imagine The Veterans Memorial c/o Brunswick American Legion Post 20 Brunswick, Maine 04011. Memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com